Post by : Maya Rahman

The 10th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival came to a vibrant close, thanks to the Sharjah Department of Culture, with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi serving as its esteemed patron. This festival underscored the rich cultural and literary legacies of the Arab nation, adding meaning to the “Diwan of the Arabs.”

Held in the scenic open-air theatre at Luxor Temple Square, the closing ceremony attracted notable attendees such as Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs; Dr. Ahmed Mohy Hamza, Dean of Fine Arts at Luxor University; and Hussein Al Qabbahi, Director of the Poetry House, along with a large audience of poetry lovers and creators.

This four-day festival, coordinated by the Sharjah Department of Culture alongside the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, witnessed the participation of over 140 poets and creators from Egypt. The event celebrated a diverse array of poetic expressions emphasizing humanistic, national, and emotional themes, thus promoting creativity and cultural exchange.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Ahmed Mohy Hamza commended Sharjah’s cultural impact, bolstered by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's support. He referred to the Poetry Houses as essential “landmarks” for nurturing creativity and facilitating a dynamic platform for Arab artistic expression. He also highlighted the importance of a decade-long partnership with Luxor University aimed at advancing the talents of youth and fostering cultural cooperations.

The festival's final proceedings included the inauguration of a visual arts exhibition at Luxor University, led by Al Owais and Al Qaseer. This exhibition showcased over 70 pieces by diverse artists, including students from the Faculty of Fine Arts, featuring mediums such as painting, metalwork, and mixed media, showcasing not only artistic skill but also the philosophical ideas behind the works.

Following the exhibition, a poetry evening at Luxor University featured poets delivering readings centered on humanistic, national, and emotional topics, further enriching cultural discourse and honoring the literary prowess within the Arab realm, culminating the festival on a high note.

#culture #UAE News #GCC News #Gulf News